K'taka HC directs Centre to restrain media from defamatory coverage of actress Ranya Rao, her father
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka High Court has directed the Centre to take appropriate steps to prevent media outlets from broadcasting or publishing false and defamatory content against actress Harshavardini Ranya and her father, K Ramchandra Rao, a DGP rank officer in the Karnataka government.
The order comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to a gold smuggling case in which the actress has been arrested and placed in judicial custody.
The case stems from an incident at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, where authorities allegedly confiscated gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from Ranya Rao.
Following this, a search at her residence reportedly led to the discovery of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.
On March 12, Ranya Rao's mother, H P Rohini, had approached the civil court, which subsequently issued an ex-parte order restraining the media from making any statements against the actress until June 2. A similar directive was later issued by the High Court based on a plea filed by her father.
However, the family contends that certain media outlets have continued to publish sensational and damaging content despite these judicial directives. Their plea before the High Court argues that instead of objectively reporting on the investigation, the media has engaged in character assassination of the accused.
During the hearing, the High Court was reminded of its previous intervention in Renukaswamy murder case, in which Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is an accused, where it had instructed media houses to exercise restraint in their coverage.
In response to the plea, the High Court issued an emergent notice to all media houses named as respondents in the petition. Additionally, it granted interim relief to Ranya Rao, effectively reinforcing restrictions on defamatory coverage.
Before concluding, the court indicated that it may establish guidelines outlining the precautions and safeguards that central investigation agencies must follow while handling high-profile cases, particularly in relation to media coverage across print, electronic, audio, and visual platforms.
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on April 8.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
